Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “’Do not accept a ransom for anyone who has fled to a city of refuge and so allow them to go back and live on their own land before the death of the high priest. New Living Translation And never accept a ransom payment from someone who has fled to a city of refuge, allowing a slayer to return to his property before the death of the high priest. English Standard Version And you shall accept no ransom for him who has fled to his city of refuge, that he may return to dwell in the land before the death of the high priest. Berean Standard Bible Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. Berean Literal Bible And you⁺ shall take no ransom for him who has fled to the city of his refuge, that he may return to dwell in the land before the death of the priest. King James Bible And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. New King James Version And you shall take no ransom for him who has fled to his city of refuge, that he may return to dwell in the land before the death of the priest. New American Standard Bible And you shall not accept a ransom for one who has fled to his city of refuge, so that he may return to live in the land before the death of the priest. NASB 1995 ‘You shall not take ransom for him who has fled to his city of refuge, that he may return to live in the land before the death of the priest. NASB 1977 ‘And you shall not take ransom for him who has fled to his city of refuge, that he may return to live in the land before the death of the priest. Legacy Standard Bible And you shall not take ransom for him who has fled to his city of refuge, that he may return to live in the land before the death of the priest. Amplified Bible You shall not accept a ransom for him who has escaped to his city of refuge, so that he may return to live in his [own] land before the death of the high priest. Berean Annotated Bible Nor should you⁺ accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. Christian Standard Bible Neither should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to his city of refuge, allowing him to return and live in the land before the death of the high priest. Holman Christian Standard Bible Neither should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to his city of refuge, allowing him to return and live in the land before the death of the high priest.” American Standard Version And ye shall take no ransom for him that is fled to his city of refuge, that he may come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. Contemporary English Version And if you have been proven innocent of murder and are living in a Safe Town, you cannot pay to go back home; you must stay there until the high priest dies. English Revised Version And ye shall take no ransom for him that is fled to his city of refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. GOD'S WORD® Translation "An accused murderer who has fled to a city of refuge must never go back and live on his own land before the death of the chief priest. Don't accept a cash payment to allow him to do this. Good News Translation If they have fled to a city of refuge, do not allow them to make a payment in order to return home before the death of the High Priest. International Standard Version You are not to receive payment of a ransom for someone who had fled to a town of refuge but then left to live in his homeland before the death of the high priest. NET Bible And you must not accept a ransom for anyone who has fled to a town of refuge, to allow him to return home and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. New Heart English Bible "'You shall take no ransom for him who is fled to his city of refuge, that he may come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. Webster's Bible Translation And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that hath fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. World English Bible “‘You shall take no ransom for him who has fled to his city of refuge, that he may come again to dwell in the land before the death of the priest. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand you take no atonement for him [who had] to flee to the city of his refuge, to return to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. Berean Literal Bible And you⁺ shall take no ransom for him who has fled to the city of his refuge, that he may return to dwell in the land before the death of the priest. Young's Literal Translation and ye take no atonement for him to flee unto the city of his refuge, to turn back to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. Smith's Literal Translation And ye shall not take expiation for him fleeing to the city of his refuge, for turning back to dwell in the land till the death of the priest. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe banished and fugitives before the death of the high priest may by no means return into their own cities. Catholic Public Domain Version Exiles and fugitives, prior to the death of the high priest, are by no means able to be returned to their own cities. New American Bible Nor will you accept compensation to allow one who has fled to a city of asylum to return to live in the land before the death of the high priest. New Revised Standard Version Nor shall you accept ransom for one who has fled to a city of refuge, enabling the fugitive to return to live in the land before the death of the high priest. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd you shall not take a bribe that he may flee to the city of refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the high priest. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you shall not accept a bribe that he may flee to a city of refuge and go and dwell in the land until the Great Priest would die. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And ye shall take no ransom for him that is fled to his city of refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. Brenton Septuagint Translation Ye shall not accept a ransom to excuse his fleeing to the city of refuge, so that he should again dwell in the land, until the death of the high-priest. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Six Cities of Refuge…31You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. 32Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. 33Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.… Cross References Nor should you accept a ransom Proverbs 6:35 He will not be appeased by any ransom, or persuaded by lavish gifts. Psalm 49:7-8 No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. / For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice, Job 33:24 to be gracious to him and say, ‘Spare him from going down to the Pit; I have found his ransom,’ for the person who flees to a city of refuge Joshua 20:3-4 so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. / When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before its elders, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. Deuteronomy 19:4-6 Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him: / If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life. / Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm. Hebrews 6:18 Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. and allow him to return and live on his own land Leviticus 25:10 So you are to consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be your Jubilee, when each of you is to return to his property and to his clan. Leviticus 25:13 In this Year of Jubilee, each of you shall return to his own property. Jeremiah 32:15 For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land.” before the death of the high priest. Joshua 20:6 He is to stay in that city until he stands trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest serving at that time. Then the manslayer may return to his own home in the city from which he fled.” Numbers 20:28-29 After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. / When the whole congregation saw that Aaron had died, the entire house of Israel mourned for him thirty days. Hebrews 7:23-24 Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. / But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Exodus 21:14 But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. Deuteronomy 19:11-13 If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, / the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. / You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you. Joshua 20:1-6 Then the LORD said to Joshua, / “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. … Leviticus 24:17 And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death. Treasury of Scripture And you shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 3:10-13,22 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them… Jump to Previous Accept Allow Atonement City Death Dwell High Live Offered Price Priest Purpose Ransom Refuge Safe Satisfaction TurnJump to Next Accept Allow Atonement City Death Dwell High Live Offered Price Priest Purpose Ransom Refuge Safe Satisfaction TurnNumbers 35 1. Forty-eight cities for the Levites, with their suburbs, and measure thereof6. Six of them are to be cities of refuge 9. The laws of murder and manslaughter 31. No satisfaction for murder Nor should you accept a ransom In the context of ancient Israel, the concept of a ransom was often associated with the idea of redemption or compensation. However, in this specific legal context, the law prohibits accepting a ransom for a person guilty of manslaughter. This underscores the seriousness of the crime and the need for justice rather than financial compensation. The prohibition reflects the principle that life is sacred and cannot be monetarily compensated, aligning with the broader biblical theme of justice and the sanctity of life. for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest Persons / Places / Events 1. Cities of RefugeDesignated places where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum to avoid revenge from the victim's family until a fair trial. 2. High Priest The religious leader whose death marked the end of the asylum period for those in the cities of refuge, allowing them to return home without fear of retribution. 3. Ransom A payment that could be offered in other legal situations but was explicitly prohibited in the case of those seeking refuge for unintentional manslaughter. 4. Levites The tribe responsible for maintaining the cities of refuge and ensuring the laws regarding them were upheld. 5. Manslayer An individual who killed another unintentionally and sought refuge to avoid the avenger of blood. Teaching Points Justice and MercyThe prohibition of ransom emphasizes the balance between justice and mercy. God's law ensures that justice is served while also providing mercy for those who acted without malice. Sanctity of Life The cities of refuge highlight the value God places on human life, ensuring that even unintentional loss of life is taken seriously. Role of the High Priest The high priest's death as a marker for release symbolizes Christ's sacrificial role, offering freedom and reconciliation through His death. Integrity of the Law The refusal to accept a ransom underscores the importance of upholding God's law without compromise or corruption. Community Responsibility The establishment of cities of refuge reflects the community's role in protecting individuals and ensuring justice is served fairly. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 35:32?2. How does Numbers 35:32 emphasize the importance of justice in God's law? 3. Why is accepting a ransom for a murderer forbidden in Numbers 35:32? 4. How does Numbers 35:32 connect to the concept of atonement in Leviticus? 5. What does Numbers 35:32 teach about the sanctity of life and justice? 6. How can we apply the principles of justice from Numbers 35:32 today? 7. Why does Numbers 35:32 prohibit ransom for a murderer who deserves death? 8. How does Numbers 35:32 reflect God's justice system in ancient Israel? 9. What theological implications arise from the no-ransom rule in Numbers 35:32? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 35? 11. What were the biblical Cities of Refuge for? 12. How do we reconcile the mention of 48 Levite cities (Numbers 35:1-8) with limited archaeological evidence for so many Levitical settlements? 13. Why is there no conclusive archaeological evidence for the six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15) if they were central to Israelite legal practice? 14. How plausible is it that the avenger of blood system (Numbers 35:19) was enforced fairly in the context of ancient Near Eastern tribal justice? What Does Numbers 35:32 Mean Nor should you accept a ransom• God disallows monetary compensation in place of justice (cf. Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19). • Bloodshed pollutes the land (Numbers 35:33), and mere payment cannot cleanse it. • The Lord, not human wealth, determines the terms of atonement (Leviticus 17:11). for the person who flees to a city of refuge • Cities of refuge were divinely appointed sanctuaries for unintentional manslayers (Numbers 35:11–12; Deuteronomy 19:1–3). • They balanced mercy (protecting from the avenger of blood) with justice (ensuring a fair trial, Joshua 20:4–6). • Flight to these cities acknowledged personal responsibility and God’s provision for due process. and allow him to return • Early release would short-circuit God’s timetable for reckoning (Numbers 35:25). • The restriction taught Israel that sin’s consequences cannot be hurried away by human preference (cf. Psalm 94:1–2). • By remaining in the city, the manslayer submitted to God’s protective order and awaited divine timing. and live on his own land • “His own land” represents resumed normal life, inheritance, and full societal participation (Leviticus 25:10). • Preventing premature return preserved community respect for life and upheld the victim’s family’s honor (Deuteronomy 19:12–13). • The land itself belonged to the Lord (Leviticus 25:23); its purity demanded obedience to His statutes. before the death of the high priest • The high priest’s death marked a God-appointed closure, releasing the manslayer (Numbers 35:28). • This points forward to the ultimate High Priest, Christ, whose death secures permanent refuge and freedom (Hebrews 9:11-15; 6:18). • Until that milestone, staying in the city underscored both the seriousness of bloodshed and the sufficiency of God’s chosen mediator. summary Numbers 35:32 underscores that life is sacred, justice cannot be bought, and release from guilt comes only on God’s terms. The city of refuge offered protection, but it also demanded patience and submission until the high priest’s death—foreshadowing the perfect, once-for-all atonement accomplished by Jesus, our everlasting Refuge. Verse 32. - That he should come again to dwell in the land. No one might buy off the enmity of the avenger before the appointed time, for that would give an unjust advantage to wealth, and would make the whole matter mercenary and vulgar.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Norוְלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no should you accept תִקְח֣וּ (ṯiq·ḥū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 3947: To take a ransom כֹ֔פֶר (ḵō·p̄er) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3724: A cover, a village, bitumen, the henna plant, a redemption-price for the person who flees לָנ֖וּס (lā·nūs) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to a city עִ֣יר (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5892: Excitement of refuge מִקְלָט֑וֹ (miq·lā·ṭōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4733: Refuge, asylum and allow him to return לָשׁוּב֙ (lā·šūḇ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again and live לָשֶׁ֣בֶת (lā·še·ḇeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry on his own land בָּאָ֔רֶץ (bā·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land before עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while the death מ֖וֹת (mō·wṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin of the high priest. הַכֹּהֵֽן׃ (hak·kō·hên) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3548: Priest Links Numbers 35:32 NIVNumbers 35:32 NLT Numbers 35:32 ESV Numbers 35:32 NASB Numbers 35:32 KJV Numbers 35:32 BibleApps.com Numbers 35:32 Biblia Paralela Numbers 35:32 Chinese Bible Numbers 35:32 French Bible Numbers 35:32 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 35:32 You shall take no ransom for him (Nu Num.) |
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